Infectious diseases remain a major burden in today’s world, causing high mortality rates and significant economic losses, with >9 million deaths per year predicted by 2030. Invasion of host cells by intracellular bacteria poses treatment challenges due to the poor permeation of antimicrobials into the infected cells. To overcome these limitations, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNP) loaded with the antibiotic rifampicin were investigated as a nanocarrier system for the treatment of intracellular bacterial infection with specific interest in the influence of particle size on treatment efficiency. An intracellular infection model was established using small colony variants (SCV) of S. aureus in macrophages to systemically evaluate the efficacy of rifampicin-loaded MSNP against the pathogen as compared to a rifampicin solution. As hypothesized, the superior uptake of MSNP by macrophages resulted in an enhanced treatment efficacy of the encapsulated rifampicin as compared to free antibiotic. This study provides a potential platform to improve the performance of currently available antibiotics against intracellular infections.

Problem statement: Studies on cultural intelligence (CQ) have been recently initiated dramatically in an effort to determine how they were related to positive life outcomes. While past findings showed positive correlations to various aspects of life outcomes, clear establishments of the theoretical and empirical connections of CQ on cross-cultural adjustment and job performance among expatriates was still remain elusive in the literature. Approach: The literature was explored to acknowledge the accessible relationships among CQ, cultural adjustment and job performance of expatriates. Results: This article proposes a research framework that intends to cover several gaps and weaknesses identified in the literature. The sway of personality traits on CQ and expatriate assignment effectiveness were also discussed. In offering a new research approaches, total of eight research propositions were established. Conclusions/Recommendations: This article provides an updated review of the literature on CQ. The practical implications as well as academic contributions were also presented. Thus, anticipate more empirical studies on CQ and at the same time substantiate the proposed research framework.

Increasing interest in multiple forms of nonacademic intelligences in addition to the wellestablished intelligent quotient (IQ) to explain individual success has triggered a need for clear establishment of the theoretical and empirical connection among these constructs. As such, this article explores the interrelationship that exists among three forms of nonacademic intelligences: cultural, emotional, and social. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.

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